asked the Minister for Defence if he will clarify the following matters in relation to an interview given by his predecessor to the press (details supplied): (a) if a further four Scorpion tanks have been ordered, if any of these tanks have been delivered and, if not, why, (b) if four Panhard 90 vehicles have been purchased to replace those in service with UNIFIL and if so, if the cost was claimed from the United Nations, (c) if other vehicles in use in the Lebanon, including Panhard APC, will also be replaced and if the cost will be claimed from the United Nations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Purchase Of Armoured Vehicles.
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(a) A further four Scorpion tanks have been ordered and delivery is not yet due under the contract. The four Scorpion tanks ordered previously, in 1978, have been delivered.
(b) Four Panhard AML 90 vehicles were purchased in 1978 as part of the programme of procurement of defensive equipment to meet the needs of the Defence Forces.
(c) The question of replacement of vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers, falls to be determined in accordance with requirements generally and in the light of operational needs.
(d) The financial arrangements for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon provide for the payment by the United Nations over a four year period of the cost of vehicles supplied to that force. Such costs are being claimed from the United Nations.